Good news for economy as more than 1,500 jobs created in Barnsley in last year

A report covering the year to March was presented to members of Barnsley Council's cabinet, outlining the progress in several areas.

It shows 7.6 per cent of young people are on an apprenticeship, against a target of 7.4 per cent, and that 44 companies relocated to Barnsley.

As well as the economy, the report shows 76 houses of the 263 built in quarter six were affordable homes.

However, the report also clearly demonstrated the effect Covid-19 pandemic has had on footfall in the town centre - 6.1 million against a target of 6.5m.

The report states: "Before lockdown, occupancy was steadily increasing as the market establishes itself and the Glassworks scheme starts to come online.

"Market Kitchen is 100 per cent occupied.

“There is now a growing interest in the ground floor Food Hall and quarter four saw some additional lets in this location.

“The rent reduction on the first floor has seen two new units let and we are looking to develop a youth enterprise zone in this location to develop interest in remaining units.

"Latest available data shows that 34 young people entered the Youth Justice system for the first time between October 2018 and September 2019. This is a reduction on the 56 pupils reported for the same period the year before."

Coun Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokesman for core services and Labour member for Dearne North, said: “This report shows the tremendous achievements and progress made towards achieving the council’s corporate priorities, which together strive towards a brighter future for Barnsley.

“It also shows how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on a number of council services and their related performance targets.

“We will continue to work hard to achieve and improve the outcomes for our customers and the community. There are already a number of initiatives in place to deal with areas where we need to make improvements.”

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